We’re not quite there yet, but the transition phase is definitely underway along the Emerald Coast flats. A week ago the water temperatures in Grand Lagoon were 61.5 degrees. With the exception of a handful of large mullet, bait was non-existent and I only spotted four redfish. Last Friday in Santa Rosa Sound, the water had warmed to 69.3 degrees. There were quite a few stingrays and cow-nose rays on the flats, along with a few pods of buck mullet. I also encountered more than four dozen spooky reds (thanks jet skis). With ambient temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s this week, expect the water to broach the magic 70-degree mark.
The redfish at least looked at a Capt. Mike’s 1/4-ounce weedless gold/chartreuse spoon. With weak tides and jet ski harassment, they weren’t too hungry, unfortunately. I did also spot a trio of sheepshead and one nice trout in the shallows. The water clarity is exceptional, which increases the wariness level considerably.
Everything should be going off in the next couple of weeks. Pompano, Spanish mackerel and bluefish will be among the first to arrive. Cobia will follow next, surfing the beach troughs and nearshore depths as they migrate to the west. Redfish appetites should improve and speckled trout will be existing their winter haunts and prowling the grass beds and inshore structure looking to fatten up in preparation for the spawn. Sheepshead will be spawning soon as well.
For what it’s worth, the forecast is for stormier conditions later this week as March blows in. The weekend bite should be improving in advance of the full moon next Tuesday and strong solunar periods. The annual Outcast Bait and Tackle extravaganza starts at 0400 Thursday, March 2 at the store location in Pensacola and continues through Sunday. It’s a good time to stock up on some needed tackle in advance of the upcoming season.
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